noun
Uncommon
complicity
Complicity (noun) means Involvement in wrongdoing alongside someone else, as a partner or accomplice. Example: “His complicity in the scheme cost him his job.”
noun
1
Involvement in wrongdoing alongside someone else, as a partner or accomplice.
"His complicity in the scheme cost him his job."
"The report found evidence of complicity between the two departments."
How to use complicity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing part of a crime or bad act, usually by helping, hiding, or allowing it.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "complexity" (the state of being complex) — they look and sound similar but mean very different things.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
complicity in
deny complicity
evidence of complicity
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Word forms
- Plural
- complicities
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ in the scheme cost him his job.
Etymology
From French complicité, ultimately from Old French complice ("accomplice"), from Late Latin complex, "confederate" or "partner."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for complicity
See all rhymes for complicity →Frequently asked questions
What does “complicity” mean?
The word “complicity” means involvement in wrongdoing alongside someone else, as a partner or accomplice. In plain terms, being part of a crime or bad act, usually by helping, hiding, or allowing it.
How do you use “complicity” in a sentence?
Here is “complicity” used in a sentence: “His complicity in the scheme cost him his job.”
What part of speech is “complicity”?
“Complicity” is a noun.
Where does the word “complicity” come from?
The word “complicity” comes from Late Latin. From French complicité, ultimately from Old French complice ("accomplice"), from Late Latin complex, "confederate" or "partner.".
Is “complicity” a common word?
“Complicity” is an uncommon word in modern English.
